Secondary electric power distribution system (SEPDS) to facilitate aircraft connectivity

ABSTRACT

A secondary power distribution box (SPDB), solid state power controller (SSPC) line replacement module or printed board assembly (LRM/PBA), integrated power distribution and avionics system, and method of power distribution are disclosed. For example, the method includes receiving electrical power from a power source at a power feeder network, communicating with at least one load of a plurality of loads at least in part over the power feeder network, and coupling the electrical power to the at least one load of the plurality of loads in response to the communicating.

BACKGROUND

It is widely recognized that the benefits of the evolving “connectedaircraft” concept are considerably greater than merely enabling airlinepassengers to access and surf the Internet while aircraft are in-flight.For example, aircraft program developers envision that future “connectedaircraft” will be capable of capturing data indicating the “health” ofevery aircraft system and equipment, including the avionics system,while in-flight. This in-flight data is expected to be utilized, forexample, to enhance the scheduling of aircraft maintenance andmonitoring of the overall health trend of the aircraft in fleets.However, the ability to capture such data while in-flight requires theaircraft involved to have system-wide data access and substantial dataprocessing and communication capabilities, which come at a very highcost. Consequently, it is critical that aircraft designers will becapable of achieving these capabilities cost-effectively and ideallywith the minimal introduction of new, dedicated equipment.

In the existing aircraft, electrical power is generated by numerouspower sources and distributed to power buses in a primary distributionpanel (PDP). The electrical power is then delivered from the PDP tovarious electrical loads (e.g., avionics, utilities, actuators,controllers, sensors) by a secondary electric power distribution system(SEPDS). The SEPDS includes a plurality of secondary power distributionboxes (SPDBs) located throughout the aircraft. Each SPDB containsnumerous solid state power control (SSPC) line replacement modules(LRMs) or printed board assemblies (PBAs), and each SSPC LRM/PBAcomprises multiple SSPC channels that control the electric powerdelivery to their corresponding electrical loads via bundles ofelectrical wires or feeders. These loads can include, for example,sensors, remote data concentrators (RDCs), and avionics controllers andthe like.

Notably, a substantial number of the sensors in the aircraft arehard-wired to corresponding RDCs. In turn, each RDC is linked to one ormore of the aircraft's controllers by dedicated serial data buses, andthe data signals from each one of the sensors are coupled to thecontrollers via the serial data buses. These signal wires and the feederwires connecting to the SPDBs form a very complex wire harness, whichnot only requires the use of special integration panels to facilitatethe construction and installation of the wire bundles, but can alsocreate large electromagnetic interference (EMI) loops and increase thelikelihood of fault current hazards. Since the SEPDS and the avionicssystem are traditionally designed as separate aircraft systems, it isdifficult (if not impossible) to produce an optimal wiring harness thatcan take advantage of the colocation of the SEPDS and the avionicssystem and the computation resources built-in with the SSPC-based SEPDS.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification, there is a need in the art for atechnique that can be utilized to take advantage of the data processingcapabilities of the SSPC LRM/PBAs, and the distributed natures of thenew generation avionics' systems to gather data from the many sensorsand systems of the aircraft to truly implement the connected aircraft.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein present techniques for enhancing aircraftconnectivity by incorporating PLC and wireless technologies in an SPDBand taking advantage of the enhanced data processing capabilities of theSSPC LRM/PBAs.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be more easily understood andfurther advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments andthe following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram depicting a secondary powerdistribution box (SPDB) that can be utilized to implement one exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a solid state power controller(SSPC) line replacement module/printed board assembly (LRM/PBA) that canbe utilized to implement one example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an integrated power distributionand avionics system that can be utilized to implement one exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an aircraft system that can beutilized to implement one example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method that can be utilized toimplement one example embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to thepresent disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughoutthe figures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of specific illustrative embodiments in which the embodiments may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatlogical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With the current trend of the new generation of distributed avionicssystems, the avionics/utility controllers and RDCs (linked together bythe aircrafts' backbone data buses) will be both physically andfunctionally allocated throughout the aircraft close to the componentsthey control, and potentially located “side-by-side” with thedistributed SPDBs. Consequently, opportunities will exist to treat bothsystems as an integrated one, both physically and functionally, toachieve the ultimate cost and weight reductions in wiring harness andaircraft equipment count, as well as enhanced system functions.

Moreover, the existing SEPDSs are not designed to take advantage of thenew power line communication (PLC) and wireless technologies availablethat could enhance aircraft connectivity utilizing the aircrafts'existing power feeder networks and the built-in intelligence of theLRM/PBAs of the SSPCs.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram depicting a secondary powerdistribution box (SPDB) 100, which can be utilized to implement oneexample embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, theexemplary SPDB 100 includes a plurality of alternating current (AC) SSPCLRM/PBAs 102 a to 102 m (e.g., with “m” representing the final or ACSSPC LRM/PBA of a series of AC SSPC LRM/PBAs), and a plurality of directcurrent (DC) SSPC LRM/PBAs 104 a to 104 n (e.g., with “n” representingthe final DC SSPC LRM/PBA of a series of DC SSPC LRM/PBAs). Each one ofthe AC SSPC LRM/PBAs 102 a to 102 m includes a wireless transceiver 106a to 106 m, one or more SSPC channels 108 a to 108 m, and a supervisorycontroller 110 a to 110 m. Also, each one of the DC SSPC LRM/PBAs 104 ato 104 n includes a wireless transceiver 112 a to 112 n, one or moreSSPC channels 114 a to 114 n, and a supervisory controller 116 a to 116n.

For this example embodiment, a first (e.g., 115V AC or 230V AC) powersource 118 is electrically connected to a respective input of the one ormore (AC) SSPC channels 108 a to 108 m, and a second (e.g., 28V DC)power source 120 is electrically connected to a respective input of theone or more (DC) SSPC channels 114 a to 114 n. Also, a plurality of ACloads 122 a to 122 m are electrically connected to respective outputs ofthe (AC) SSPC channels 108 a to 108 m, and a plurality of DC loads 124 ato 124 n are electrically connected to respective outputs of the (DC)SSPC channels 114 a to 114 n.

Furthermore, a first serial data bus 126 communicatively couples, fortwo-way communications, the aircraft's avionics system to/from therespective first input/output (I/O) terminals of the supervisorycontrollers 110 a to 110 m and 116 a to 116 n. Also, a second serialdata bus 128 communicatively couples, for two-way communications, a testsystem of the aircraft to/from the respective second I/O terminals ofthe supervisory controllers 110 a to 110 m and 116 a to 116 n. Moreover,a third bus 130 communicatively couples analog and/or discrete signalsfrom, for example, aircraft systems other than the avionics and testsystems, to a set of respective inputs of the supervisory controllers110 a to 110 m and 116 a to 116 n.

Notably, referring to FIG. 1 for this example embodiment, the functionalcomponents of the exemplary SPDB 100 include a plurality of upstreampower feeders (e.g., 118, 120), a plurality of load feeders (e.g., 122 ato 122 m, 124 a to 124 n), a plurality of wireless communicationinterfaces (e.g., 106 a to 106 m and 112 a to 112 n), a plurality ofexternal analog/discrete signal interfaces (e.g., 130), and a pluralityof AC/DC SSPC PBA/LRMs (102 a to 102 m and 104 a to 104 n).

For example, the upstream power feeders are utilized to receiveelectrical power from the upstream PDPs. The load feeders are utilizedto deliver the electrical power they receive from the PDPs to variouselectrical loads. As such, the combination of the upstream power feedersand the load feeders form a feeder network that physically (andelectrically) links together the aircraft's onboard electronic andelectrical components or equipment. Also, this feeder network can beutilized as a communication medium to facilitate the exchange ofinformation between the aircraft's equipment and the loads, withouthaving to rely on dedicated communication networks and/or buses withtheir concomitant increased weight and cost.

For this embodiment, the SPDB 100 can include, for example, one or moreof two types of standard serial data buses (e.g., ARINC 429 or Can Bus)for data communications between the distributed avionics system and theSPDB 100, and a second type of data bus (e.g., RS-485 or Ethernet andthe like) for operating software, loading configuration data, softwaretesting and debugging, and providing interfaces to other (e.g.,external) maintenance equipment (e.g., power distribution managementcomputer or PDMC, and the like).

The SPDB 100 includes a wireless communication capability. For example,the wireless transceivers (e.g., 106 a to 106 m and 112 a to 112 n) arelocated at the AC and DC SSPC LRM/PBAs (e.g., 102 a to 102 m and 104 ato 104 n). However, for example, the antennas for the wirelesstransceivers can be mounted externally to the transceivers, or embeddedinside the chassis of the SPDB 100 to ensure the integrity of thetransmitted/received wireless signals. Notably, in order to facilitatethe connectivity of the aircraft involved, if the wireless communicationcapability embedded in the SPDB 100 is intended primarily to justreceive data from wireless sensors or “back-up” commands from theavionics system (e.g., if the normal communications between the SPDB andthe avionics system via a dedicated serial data bus is lost), only one(or fewer than the number of wireless receivers in the SPDB) antenna canbe utilized by all of the wireless transceivers (e.g., in a sharing modeof operation).

The SPDB 100 also includes external analog/discrete signal interfaces.For example, the SPDB 100 provides the interfaces and signalconditioning for the various analog and discrete signals received on thebus 130. These signals can be coupled from nearby sensors or otheraircraft equipment in a manner similar to that of a sensor's coupling toan RDC. For example, these signals can be non-critical, slowtime-varying constant signals that can be collected and passed on totheir intended destinations (e.g., avionics system/network), byutilizing the intelligence capabilities (e.g., avionics system's dataprocessing capabilities and communication channels) built into the SSPCsof the SPDB 100. Consequently, some of the RDCs and/or their resourcescan be saved and utilized for other operations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram depicting an SSPC 200, which can beutilized to implement one example embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 2, the exemplary SSPC 200 includes an (AC or DC) SSPCLRM/PBA 202. For example, the SSPC LRM/PBA 202 can be utilized toimplement one of more of the plurality of AC SSPC LRM/PBAs 102 a to 102m or DC SSPC LRM/PBAs 104 a to 104 n depicted and described above withrespect to the example embodiment in FIG. 2. The SSPC 200 also includesa wireless communication transceiver 204, a supervisory controller 206communicatively coupled for two-way communications to/from the wirelesscommunication transceiver 204, and analog/discrete processing circuitry208 communicatively coupled to an input of the supervisory controller206. The supervisory controller 206 is also communicatively coupled fortwo-way communications via the serial data bus 207 (e.g., I²C, etc.)to/from a respective I/O of each one of a plurality of SSPC channels 210a to 210 n. For this example embodiment, each SSPC channel 210 a to 210n includes a respective solid state switching device (SSSD) 212 a to 212n, SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n, and power line coupler (PLC) 216 a to 216n. Each SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n is communicatively coupled forcommunications to/from a respective SSSD 212 a to 212 n and PLC 216 a to216 n.

A power input terminal 218 is electrically connected to an SSPC LRM/PBAupstream feeder 219, which in turn is electrically connected to arespective input of each SSSD 212 a to 212 n. For example, the powerinput terminal 218 can be implemented utilizing one of the upstreampower feeders 118 or 120 depicted in FIG. 1. Similarly, an externalserial data bus 220 (e.g., 126 in FIG. 1) is communicatively coupled fortwo-way communications to/from the supervisory controller 206, a testdata bus 222 (e.g., 128 in FIG. 1) is also communicatively coupled fortwo-way communications to/from the supervisory controller 206, and aplurality of external analog/discrete signals 224 a, 224 b (e.g., 130 inFIG. 1) are communicatively coupled to respective inputs of theanalog/discrete signal processing circuitry 208. The output of each SSSD212 a to 212 n is electrically connected to a respective SSPC downstream(e.g., load) feeder 226 a to 226 n, which in turn is electricallyconnected to a respective load 228 to 228 n. A plurality of PLCs 230 ato 230 n are communicatively coupled for two-way communications to/fromeach one of the respective SSPC downstream (e.g., load) feeders 226 a to226 n, and also to/from each load 228 a to 228 n.

The primary responsibility of the supervisory controller 206 is tocontrol (e.g., via the I²C serial data bus) the powerswitching/distribution functions of the SSPC channels 210 a to 210 n,and the communications between the SSPC LRM/PBA 202 and the externalinterface terminal 220. For example, the external interface terminal 220can be the terminal of an existing avionics controller, and thecommunications between the SSPC LRM/PBA 202 and the external interfaceterminal 220 can be implemented utilizing, for example, the ARINC 429 orCAN data bus and the like. Additionally, the supervisory controller 206can perform general “housekeeping” tasks, control the configurations ofthe SSPC loads 228 a to 228 n, periodic built-in-tests (BITs) for theSSPC LRM/PBA 202, and as the interface to the test data bus (e.g.,RS-485 data bus) 222. As such, the supervisory controller 206 isconfigured to facilitate the loading of the operating software andconfiguration data to the SSPC LRM/PBA 202 and the software testing anddebugging tasks.

Furthermore, the supervisory controller 206 performs the dataacquisitions of the analog signals 224 a and reads the discrete signals224 b from the analog/discrete signal processing circuitry 208. Thesupervisory controller 206 forwards those signals (via the externalserial data bus 220) to their intended destinations in the avionicssystem involved. Moreover, the supervisory controller 206 is alsocapable of interfacing with an external wireless network via thewireless communication transceiver 204. This capability thus enables theSSPC LRM/PBA 202 to receive signals including information from thevehicle's wireless sensors (e.g., information other than load currentand voltage), which information can be utilized to determine the overallhealth condition of the SSPC loads 228 a to 228 n associated with (orcontrolled by) the SSPC LRM/PBA 202. The supervisory controller 206 thenforwards that information (e.g., for additional processing) to therelevant channel(s) of the SSPC channels 210 a to 210 n utilizing theSSPC internal serial data bus 207 (e.g., I²C). Notably, this wirelesscapability can also function as a backup mechanism for controlling theSSPC channels 210 a to 210 n if, for example, the communicationsconnection is lost between the SSPC LRM/PBA 202 and the externalinterface terminal 220. For example, the communications path could belost between the external serial data bus 207 and the upstreamcommunication chains (e.g., failure of one or more of the data bustransceivers, backplane, communications from/to the avionics system, andthe like). Consequently, with this backup capability, the criticality ofthe existing communications chains might be relaxed.

Each one of the SSPC channels 210 a to 210 n includes an SSSD 212 a to212 n that can be utilized to connect and disconnect the power input 218to/from a load 228 a to 228 n, an SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n (e.g., adigital signal processor or DSP, microprocessor, or microcontroller andthe like) utilized to control the (e.g., switching) functions of therespective SSPC channel 210 a to 210 n, and a power line coupler 230 ato 230 n. The primary responsibility of each one of the SSPC engines 214a to 214 n is to receive command signals from the supervisory controller206 to control the on/off states of the respective SSSDs 212 a to 212 n,provide feedback signals (e.g., via the SSPC internal serial data bus207) to the supervisory controller 206 regarding the load and tripstatus of the respective SSPC channel 210 a to 210 n, and provideprotection for each respective downstream/load feeder 226 a to 226 n.Each SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n is also configured to turn off therespective SSSD 212 a to 212 n if either an electrical arc or shortcircuit fault occurs. For example, each SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n couldestimate (e.g., calculate) the thermal energy level inside therespective feeder 226 a to 226 n utilizing, for example, the loadcurrent signal sensed by an associated current sensor, or by determiningthat either an electrical arc fault or short circuit fault has occurred.

Each SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n is also configured to collect andpre-process information that characterizes the “health” condition of itsassociated upstream feeder 219 and load feeder 226 a to 226 n. Forexample, this information can be based on a combination of directlysampled load currents and voltages along with other functionalinformation collected either directly through the interface with thedesignated PLC 216 a to 216 n, or received from the supervisorycontroller 206 via the SSPC internal serial data bus 207. Additionally,each SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n is responsible for initiating power linecommunications with the respective load-end PLC terminal (e.g., node)228 a to 228 n via the respective SSPC downstream feeder 226 a to 226 nand PLC 230 a to 230 n, and executing closed-loop control of thecorresponding load 228 a to 228 n as enabled by the respective PLC 230 ato 230 n. Each PLC 230 a to 230 n associated with each SSPC channel 210to 210 n is configured to be utilized to facilitate the datacommunications carried over the power feeder network (e.g., 226 a to 226n). As such, each PLC 230 a to 230 n includes a respective power linecoupler 232 a to 232 n and PLC modem 234 a to 234 n. Each PLC modem 234a to 234 n is responsible for processing its data signals, and eachpower line coupler 232 a to 232 n is responsible for coupling the datasignals generated by the associated PLC modem 234 a to 234 n to/from thepower feeder network. Each PLC 216 a to 216 n associated with arespective SSPC engine 214 a to 214 n is configured to communicate(e.g., via an associated SSPC downstream feeder 226 a to 226 n) with arespective (PLC) node located, for example, in close proximity to arespective load 228 a to 228 n.

For this example embodiment, the wireless communication interface 204includes a wireless network transceiver and antenna (e.g., 106 a or 112a in FIG. 1). The wireless communication interface 204 is configured tofacilitate the interface/data communications between the supervisorycontroller 206 in the relevant AC/DC SSPC LRM/PBA 202 and a wirelesscommunication network that can be accessed, for example, by associatedwireless sensors and controllers of the avionics system involved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram depicting an integrated powerdistribution and avionics system 300, which can be utilized to implementone example embodiment of the present invention. For example, theintegrated power distribution and avionics system 300 can be a powerdistribution system located onboard or externally to, a vehicle. As usedherein, the term vehicle refers to any device on which the integratedpower distribution and avionics system 300 can be implemented. Forexample, a vehicle can include an aircraft, motor vehicle, missile,handheld device, and the like. Referring to FIG. 3, the exemplaryintegrated power distribution and avionics system 300 includes a powersource (e.g., generator) 302 configured to generate electrical power andconvey that electrical power via a power bus or power feeder 304 to aPrimary Distribution Panel (PDP) 306. A plurality of power buses/feeders307 a to 307 n convey the electrical power from the PDP 306 to aSecondary Electrical Power Distribution System (SEPDS) 308 via aplurality of power buses/feeders 307 a to 307 n, which are electricallyconnected to a plurality of Secondary Power Distribution Boxes (SPDBs)310 a to 310 n associated with the SEPDS 308. For this exampleembodiment, the first SPDB 310 a is electrically connected to aplurality of RDCs 312 a to 312 n by a respective power line 311 a to 311n, and configured to distribute electrical power to the RDCs 312 a to312 n. The first SPDB 310 a is also electrically connected to aplurality of PLC nodes/loads 314 a to 314 n and a PLC node/sensor 316 a,and configured to distribute electrical power to the PLC nodes/loads 314a to 314 n and the PLC node/sensor 316 a. Similarly, the nth SPDB 310 nin the series 310 a to 310 n is electrically connected to a PLCnode/sensor 316 n and an RDC 312 n-1, and configured to distributeelectrical power to the PLC node/sensor 316 n and the RDC 312 n-1.Notably, as indicated by the dashed block 312 n, the SSPC-based SEPDS308 eliminates the need for one or more of the RDCs (e.g., 312 n), incontrast to the configurations of the existing SEPDSs.

Additionally, the second SPDB 310 b is electrically connected to adistributed processing module (DPM) 318 a by a power bus/feeder line 311a, and the SPDB 310 n is electrically connected to the DPM 318 n by apower bus-feeder line 311 n. Notably, as indicated by the dashed block318 n, the SSPC-based SEPDS 308 eliminates the need for one of more ofthe DPMs (e.g., 318 n). As such, in accordance with the above-describedteachings of the specification, the SSPC channels in the SPDBs 310 a to310 n can be utilized to provide power to one or more PLCnodes/actuators (e.g., 320) and/or PLC nodes/heaters 322. Consequently,the SSPC-based SEPDS 308 eliminates the need for one of more of thededicated actuator and/or heater controllers utilized in existingsystems. Notably, a backbone data bus 324 provides backbone datacommunications between the RDCs 312 a to 312 n and DPMs 318 a to 318 n,and a plurality of utility data buses 326 a to 326 n (e.g., ARINC 429 orCAN bus) provide data communications between the SPDBs 310 b to 310 nand the respective DPMs 318 to 318 n. Also, note that one or morewireless communication bridges (e.g., 326) can be eliminated by thewireless communication interfaces of each of the SPDBs 310 a to 310 n(as indicated by the respective antennas shown). As such, one or more ofa plurality of wireless sensors 328 a to 328 n can communicate with andprovide sensor information directly to one or more of the wirelesscommunication interfaces of the SPDBs 310 a to 310 n.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram depicting an aircraft system 400,which can be utilized to implement one example embodiment of the presentinvention. For example, the aircraft system 400 can be a distributedavionics system onboard a vehicle, such as an aircraft, guided munition,missile and the like. As another example, the aircraft system 400 can belocated internally to a vehicle (e.g., aircraft) and utilized to testcomponents and/or operational or control functions of the vehicleinvolved. In any event, referring to the exemplary embodiment depictedin FIG. 4, the aircraft system 400 includes a power source (e.g.,generator) 402 coupled to a PDP 406 by a power bus/feeder 404. Forexample, the power source 402, power bus/feeder 404 and PDP 406 can beimplemented utilizing the power source 302, power bus/feeder 304 and PDP306 depicted in and described above with respect to FIG. 3.

The aircraft system 400 also includes an SEPDS 408, which receiveselectrical power from the PDP 406. For example, the SEPDS 408 can beimplemented utilizing the SEPDS 308 depicted in and described above withrespect to FIG. 3. The SEPDS 408 includes a plurality of (e.g., ACand/or DC) SSPC LRM/PBAs 411 a to 411 n. For example, in one embodiment,each one of the plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs 411 a to 411 n includes awireless communication interface (e.g., 412 a), a supervisory controller(e.g., 414 a), and a plurality of SSPC channels/switches (e.g., 416 a to416 n). The SSPC LRM/PBAs 411 a to 411 n can be implemented utilizing,for example, the AC/DC SSPC LRM/PBA 202 depicted in and described abovewith respect to FIG. 2. One or more application controllers 410 such as,for example, a Flight Control Electronics (FCE) controller, CMCElectronics' controller, or RDC is electrically connected and alsocommunicatively coupled to an output terminal of the SSPC channel/switch416 a for power distribution and data communications. Also, the outputterminal of each one of the SSPC channel/switches 416 b to 416 n iselectrically connected and also communicatively coupled to acorresponding PLC node/load 418 a to 418 n for power distribution anddata communications. Notably, as indicated by the dashed “X” 420, theSSPC-based SEPDS 408 eliminates the need for a plurality of data busesand signal lines that are required in the existing aircraft systems.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500, which can beutilized to implement one example embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 5 and the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, the exemplary method 500 begins with receiving electrical powerfrom a power source at a power feeder network (502). For example, ACpower is received by the SSPC channels 108 a to 108 n from the inputterminal 118 depicted in FIG. 1, and DC power is received by the SSPCchannels 114 a to 114 n from the input terminal 120. Referring to theexemplary AC/DC SSPC LRM/PBA 202 depicted in FIG. 2, the electrical (ACor DC) power is received from the power input 218 via the SSPC PBAupstream feeder 219. In this example embodiment, the SSPC PBA upstreamfeeder 219 and the SSPC downstream feeder 226 a form the power feedernetwork. The method 500 continues with communicating with at least oneload of a plurality of loads at least in part over the power feedernetwork (504). For example, the supervisory controller 206 depicted inFIG. 2 communicates with the PLC modem 216 a via the internal serialdata bus 207 and the SSPC engine 214 a, and the PLC modem 216 a furthercommunicates with the load 228 a via the SSPC downstream feeder 226 a,the power line coupler 232 a, and the PLC modem 234 a. Next, the methodcontinues with coupling the received electrical power to the at leastone load of the plurality of loads in response to the communicating(506). For example, in response to a communication (e.g., controlsignal) received from the supervisory controller 206, the SSPC engine214 a causes the SSDC 212 a to change state and thereby connect thereceived power from the SSPC PBA upstream feeder 219 to the SSPCdownstream feeder 226 a, the power line coupler 232 a, and the PLC modem234 a. In turn, the PLC modem 234 a communicates with the load 228 a andthereby causes the load 228 a to configure and receive the electricalpower from the SSPC downstream feeder 226 a. The method is thenterminated.

It should be understood that elements of the above described embodimentsand illustrative figures may be used in various combinations with eachother to produce still further embodiments which are explicitly intendedas within the scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example 1 includes a secondary power distribution box, comprising: anupstream power feeder configured to receive AC power or DC power from aprimary power source; a load feeder configured to provide the AC poweror DC power from the upstream power feeder to a plurality of loads; aplurality of solid state power controller (SSPC) line replacement moduleor printed board assemblies (SSPC LRM/PBAs), wherein at least one SSPCLRM/PBA of the plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs is coupled to the upstreampower feeder and configured to receive the AC power or the DC power fromthe primary power source, and the at least one SSPC LRM/PBA of theplurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs includes: at least one power linecommunication (PLC) modem configured to communicate with an associatedload; a wireless communication node configured to communicate with oneor more wireless sensors; at least one analog signal interface ordiscrete signal interface configured to communicate data with theplurality of loads and external equipment or controllers; and aplurality of SSPC channels connected to the upstream power feeder,wherein each SSPC channel of the plurality of SSPC channels isconfigured to selectively connect or disconnect the upstream powerfeeder to or from a respective load feeder and the associated load.

Example 2 includes the secondary power distribution box of Example 1,wherein the primary power source is a primary distribution panel (PDP).

Example 3 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-2, wherein the primary power source is a generator.

Example 4 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-3, wherein the upstream power feeder is an SSPC LRM/PBAupstream power feeder.

Example 5 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-4, wherein the load feeder is an SSPC downstream feeder.

Example 6 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-5, wherein the wireless communication node is a wirelesscommunication transceiver.

Example 7 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-6, wherein the at least analog signal interface or discretesignal interface comprises analog/discrete signal processing circuitry.

Example 8 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-7, wherein said each SSPC channel includes a solid stateswitch device (SSSD) configured to selectively connect or disconnect theupstream power feeder to or from the respective load feeder and theassociated load in response to a control signal from an associated SSPCengine.

Example 9 includes the secondary power distribution box of any ofExamples 1-8, further comprising a supervisory controller configured tocommunicate analog or discrete signals to or from an internal serialdata bus and an external serial data bus.

Example 10 includes the secondary power distribution box of Example 9,wherein the internal serial data bus is an I²C data bus, and theexternal serial data bus is an ARINC 429 data bus or a CAN data bus.

Example 11 includes a method of power distribution, comprising:receiving electrical power from a power source at a power feedernetwork; communicating with at least one load of a plurality of loads atleast in part over the power feeder network; and coupling the electricalpower to the at least one load of the plurality of loads in response tothe communicating with the at least one load of the plurality of loads.

Example 12 includes the method of Example 11, further comprising:communicating with one or more wireless sensors; and coupling theelectrical power to the at least one load in response to thecommunicating with the one or more wireless sensors and the at least oneload of the plurality of loads.

Example 13 includes the method of any of Examples 11-12, wherein thecommunicating with the at least one load of the plurality of loadscomprises a power line communication (PLC) modem communicating with theat least one load of the plurality of loads.

Example 14 includes the method of any of Examples 11-13, wherein thecoupling the electrical power comprises coupling the electrical powerfrom an upstream power feeder to a downstream power feeder and a PLCmodem coupled to the downstream power feeder and the at least one load.

Example 15 includes the method of any of Examples 11-14, wherein thecoupling the electrical power comprises coupling the electrical power toa solid state power controller (SSPC) channel associated with the atleast one load.

Example 16 includes the method of any of Examples 11-15, wherein thecommunicating with the at least one load of the plurality of loadscomprises at least one analog or discrete signal interface communicatingdata with the at least one load.

Example 17 includes a system, comprising: a power source; a PDPelectrically connected to the power source; a plurality of SPDBs,wherein each SPDB of the plurality of SPDBs is electrically connected tothe PDP and includes an upstream power feeder configured to receive ACpower or DC power from the PDP; a load feeder configured to provide theAC power or DC power from the upstream power feeder to a plurality ofloads; a plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs, wherein at least one SSPC LRM/PBAof the plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs is coupled to the upstream powerfeeder and configured to receive the AC power or the DC power from thePDP, and the at least one SSPC LRM/PBA of the plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAsincludes: at least one PLC modem configured to communicate with anassociated load; a wireless communication node configured to communicatewith one or more wireless sensors; at least one analog signal interfaceor discrete signal interface configured to communicate data with theplurality of loads and external equipment or controllers; and aplurality of SSPC channels connected to the upstream power feeder,wherein each SSPC channel of the plurality of SSPC channels isconfigured to selectively connect or disconnect the upstream powerfeeder to or from a respective load feeder and the associated load.

Example 18 includes the system of Example 17, wherein the upstream powerfeeder is an SSPC LRM/PBA upstream power feeder.

Example 19 includes the system of any of Examples 17-18, wherein theload feeder is an SSPC downstream feeder.

Example 20 includes the system of any of Examples 17-19, wherein thewireless communication node is a wireless communication transceiver.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentedembodiments. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A secondary power distribution box, comprising:an upstream power feeder configured to receive alternating current (AC)power or direct current (DC) power from a primary power source; aplurality of load feeders configured to provide the AC power or DC powerfrom the upstream power feeder to a plurality of loads; a plurality ofsolid state power controller (SSPC) line replacement module or printedboard assemblies (SSPC LRM/PBAs), wherein at least one SSPC LRM/PBA ofthe plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs is coupled to the upstream power feederand configured to receive the AC power or the DC power from the primarypower source, and the at least one SSPC LRM/PBA of the plurality of SSPCLRM/PBAs includes: a supervisory controller configured to control powerswitching/distribution functions and two-way communication functionsinternal and external to the secondary power distribution box; aplurality of SSPC channels, communicatively coupled to the supervisorycontroller, connected to the upstream power feeder, wherein each SSPCchannel of the plurality of SSPC channels is configured to selectivelyconnect or disconnect the upstream power feeder to a respective loadfeeder and an associated load, wherein each of the plurality of SSPCchannels includes at least one power line communication (PLC) modem,communicatively coupled to the supervisory controller, configured tocommunicate with the associated load for closed loop control of, andgathering health information from, the associated load; an internalserial communication bus coupled to the supervisory controllerconfigured for communication with the plurality of SSPC channels; anexternal serial communication bus directly coupled to the supervisorycontroller and configured to communicate with external systems; awireless communication node, coupled to the supervisory controller andconfigured to communicate with one or more wireless sensors and externalcommunication sources including avionics systems; and at least oneanalog signal interface or discrete signal interface, separate from theexternal serial communication bus, communicatively coupled to thesupervisory controller, configured to communicate signals with theplurality of loads and external equipment or controllers.
 2. Thesecondary power distribution box of claim 1, wherein the primary powersource is a primary distribution panel (PDP).
 3. The secondary powerdistribution box of claim 1, wherein the primary power source is agenerator.
 4. The secondary power distribution box of claim 1, whereinthe upstream power feeder is an SSPC LRM/PBA upstream power feeder. 5.The secondary power distribution box of claim 1, wherein the load is aheater or actuator that is controlled based on data communicated throughthe PLC modem.
 6. The secondary power distribution box of claim 1,wherein the wireless communication node is a wireless communicationtransceiver that is configured to bypass the second serial communicationbus to enable communication between avionics systems and the pluralityof SSPC channels.
 7. The secondary power distribution box of claim 1,wherein the at least analog signal interface or discrete signalinterface comprises analog/discrete signal processing circuitry.
 8. Thesecondary power distribution box of claim 1, wherein said each SSPCchannel includes a solid state switch device (SSSD) configured toselectively connect or disconnect the upstream power feeder to or fromthe respective load feeder and the associated load in response to acontrol signal from an associated SSPC engine.
 9. The secondary powerdistribution box of claim 1, wherein the supervisory controller isconfigured to communicate analog or discrete signals at the at least oneanalog signal interface or discrete signal interface to or from thefirst serial communication bus or the second serial communication bus.10. The secondary power distribution box of claim 9, wherein the firstserial communication bus is an I²C data bus, and the second serialcommunication bus is an ARINC 429 data bus or a CAN data bus.
 11. Amethod of distributing power to, and communicating with, a plurality ofloads over an integrated power distribution and communication system,the method comprising: receiving electrical power from a power source ata power feeder network; communicating power control signals with asupervisory controller of a solid state power controller (SSPC) linereplacement module or printed board assembly (SSPC LRM/PBA); couplingthe electrical power to at least one load of the plurality of loads inresponse to the communicating the power control signals with thesupervisory controller of the SSPC LRM/PBA; receiving additional datafrom an external source through one or more of an external serialcommunication interface and a wireless communication interface; andcommunicating the additional data with at least one of the plurality ofloads, using a power line communication (PLC) modem integrated into anSSPC of the integrated power distribution and communication systemassociated with the at least one of the plurality of loads, for closedloop control of, gathering health information from, and preventativeprotection of the at least one of the plurality of loads through an SSPCengine of the associated SSPC.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: communicating with one or more wireless sensors; andcoupling the electrical power to the at least one load in response tothe communicating with the supervisory controller of the SSPC LRM/PBA.13. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicating additional datawith the at least one load of the plurality of loads comprisescommunicating signals with a heater or actuator that is controlled basedon data communicated through the PLC modem.
 14. The method of claim 11,and further comprising communicating through a wireless communicationtransceiver associated with the SSPC that is configured to bypass aserial communication bus to enable communication between an avionicssystem and the SSPC LRM/PBA.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein thecoupling the electrical power comprises coupling the electrical power toa solid state power controller (SSPC) channel associated with the atleast one load.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicatingwith the at least one load of the plurality of loads comprises at leastone analog or discrete signal interface communicating data with the atleast one load.
 17. A system, comprising: a power source; a PrimaryDistribution Panel (PDP) electrically connected to the power source; aplurality of secondary Power Distribution Boxes (SPDBs), wherein eachSPDB of the plurality of SPDBs is electrically connected to the PDP andincludes an upstream power feeder configured to receive alternatingcurrent (AC) power or direct current (DC) power from the PDP; aplurality of load feeders configured to provide the AC power or DC powerfrom the upstream power feeder to a plurality of loads; a plurality ofsolid state power controller (SSPC) line replacement module or printedboard assemblies (LRM/PBAs), wherein at least one SSPC LRM/PBA of theplurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs is coupled to the upstream power feeder andconfigured to receive the AC power or the DC power from the PDP, and theat least one SSPC LRM/PBA of the plurality of SSPC LRM/PBAs includes: asupervisory controller configured to control powerswitching/distribution functions and two-way communication functionsinternal and external to the secondary power distribution box; aplurality of SSPC channels, communicatively coupled to the supervisorycontroller, connected to the upstream power feeder, wherein each SSPCchannel of the plurality of SSPC channels is configured to selectivelyconnect or disconnect the upstream power feeder to a respective loadfeeder and an associated load, wherein each of the plurality of SSPCchannels includes at least one power line communication (PLC) modem,communicatively coupled to the supervisory controller, configured tocommunicate with the associated load for closed loop control of, andgathering health information from, the associated load; an internalserial communication bus coupled to the supervisory controllerconfigured for communication with the plurality of SSPC channels; anexternal serial communication bus coupled to the supervisory controllerand configured to communicate with external systems; a wirelesscommunication node, coupled to the supervisory controller and configuredto communicate with one or more wireless sensors and externalcommunication sources including avionics systems; at least one analogsignal interface or discrete signal interface, separate from theexternal serial communication bus, communicatively coupled to thesupervisory controller, configured to communicate signals with theplurality of loads and external equipment or controllers.
 18. The systemof claim 17, wherein the upstream power feeder is an SSPC LRM/PBAupstream power feeder.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the load is aheater or actuator that is controlled based on data communicated throughthe PLC modem.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the wirelesscommunication node is a wireless communication transceiver that isconfigured to bypass the second serial communication bus to enablecommunication between avionics systems and the plurality of SSPCchannels.